New Years Resolution

You can tell a lot about what's on everyone's mind from watching television commercials. It's like the chicken and the egg - are we thinking about healthy pursuits because all of the commercials are directed to weight loss strategies and exercise equipment/gym memberships, or is it just because another year is looming with more resolutions on eating better and exercising more?

Virginia State Parks has the key for a successful New Years Resolution - get outdoors more! Visiting a Virginia State Park and enjoying nature is a fun way to begin a healthier lifestyle. Take a break from television and video games and hike a trail, watch wildlife. You'll find that in addition to the calories you'll burn and other direct health benefits [see details at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/health.shtml], "getting back to nature" has been shown to reduce stress and refresh the spirit. Another plus is that a visit to a Virginia State Park is fun for the entire family. Visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov/ to plan your next trip now or find a program that will interest the whole family and get started on your 2009 resolutions.

Winter in State Parks

Okay, it's Virginia and we're not known for snow. But, when we get some, where better to explore the winter wonderland? So relax by the fire in the evening and explore nature during the day. Convenient web reservations make it possible to book a cabin with only a day's notice. So when the weatherman calls for snow, visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov/, find the park you want, and click on "Reserve Now" on the right. [Or click http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDirectoryList.do?contractCode=va] and you'll be off to the park the next day.

History and Culture in Southwest Virginia

Two new videos showcase Natural Tunnel State Park's contribution to promoting the history and culture of southwest Virginia.

The Siege at the Blockhouse features the new Wilderness Road Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel which illustrates the role it played in the 1700s during westward expansion of the nation. The park lies along the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail driving tour; visit http://www.danielboonetrail.com/ for more information about the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail. The Siege is held annually in May and is a living history event best portrayed by the video found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEosdngol_w.

In addition to this new history trail, the Crooked Road is Virginia's Music Heritage Trail. For more information in this heritage trail, see http://www.thecrookedroad.org/. Several of our parks feature programming inspired by this musical heritage. Grayson Highlands' Wayne Henderson Festival and Fall Festival are two well known events for mountain music. The Natural Tunnel State Park Amphitheater is also home to a number of events that feature Virginia's music heritage. Click on this video to learn about the Clinch Mountain Music Fest and some background on this rich culture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQdqzXwjPog. For more information on the Clinch Mountain Music Fest and the many music events at Natural Tunnel, see http://clinchfest.net/.

Kiptopeke State Park Fishing

It's Striper Season at Kiptopeke State Park. Check out Kayak Kevin's weekly fishing reports at: http://www.kayakkevin.com/weeklycatchwinter08.html. Even if you aren't into fishing from a kayak, this is the best time to fish from a boat or the park's pier. Concrete ships from World War II form a breaker and excellent habitat.

Reserve a family lodge on line at http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Kiptopeke_State_Park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=VA&parkId=140162&topTabIndex=CampingSpot

Holiday Visits

Virginia State Parks cabins are great places to spend a romantic or family vacation. Bring family and friends around the country to a Virginia State Park family lodge (large cabin that sleeps 15-16 people). I know, you think about swimming and boating and summer activities when you think about parks but just wait until you experience a winter trip. The crowds are gone and you feel like you have the park all to yourselves.

Put up a tree for Christmas, celebrate New Year's surrounded by nature, invite the family for Thanksgiving dinner (and you won't have to clean your house before or after). We can't promise snow but you never know. We have new family lodges at Bear Creek Lake, Claytor Lake, James River, Kiptopeke and Occoneechee, or perhaps you prefer a historic structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps 70 years ago at Douthat or Hungry Mother. Or there's a river vacation home on the Potomac at Westmoreland, or a mansion on the Rappahannock River at Belle Isle State Park.

Alternately, a holiday romantic getaway could also be in store for you in one of our cabins. Throw another log on the fire and cuddle up with your honey.

Call 800-933-7275 for reservations. The Reservation Counselor will help find a park that will make your stay enjoyable. Keep in mind that we don't allow cabin starts actually on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year Day (so our cabin cleaning staff can have those days off). But your stay can include those days. We also have a two night minumum.

Reserve on line now at http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDirectoryList.do?contractCode=va

Welcome!

Welcome to this new blog for insider tips about Virginia State Parks. Learn the best of what you can see and do in Virginia's beautiful and award winning state parks.

This picture was taken at sunrise at the Sugarlands Overlook in Grayson Highlands State Park, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.

Information on Virginia's State Parks is available at http://www.virginiastateparks.gov/ or by calling 800-933-7275. Reserve on line 24/7 at http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDirectoryList.do?contractCode=va